Can you feel it? I mean, really feel it? It’s slowly warming up and spring is finally in the air! After spending so many long, dark and cold days in our family room, I thought to brighten it up with a few small changes.
Going back to the beginnings of the room – here is a pic from a few years ago when my husband ripped out the old parquet floor and installed a new, warmer toned wood floor. You can also see how dark the brick hearth was. Above on the ceiling (unseen) were dark wooden beams.
We had a large wool Pottery Barn rug in the room and I just switched it out with a smaller, sisal rug that I purchased from The World Market. We can see more of the new wood floors and it brightens the room. The whitewashed brick (what a difference from the “before” pic above!) also lightens the room. Since that picture above was taken, I painted the beams white and the ceiling between in Benjamin Moore Muslin. It gives the ceiling an illusion of more depth and height. All together, the floor, brick and ceiling changes have created a lighter and larger feel.
Here is our family room today, ready for spring!
I added a great little vintage coffee table that I painted in blue with a coat of poly on top for extra protection. The little brass wheels were cleaned with Brasso and now they shine and are oh, so useful. It’s easy to move around while the kids eat snacks or play games.
My girls and I had fun shopping for items to bring in more pops of blue. We also added our spring wreaths and Easter decor to the mantel and hearth.
I brought in my pair of blue farmhouse tables to place on either side of the sofa. They are for sale but hey, until they sell they look great in the room!
My favorite french dresser sits under our tv. I bought this years ago from Goodwill. The drawers are full of the kid’s dvds and video games. It’s such a great use for a vintage piece.
It’s now brighter and lighter and ready for Easter and baseball season – our rite of spring in this house!
I just bought this great ottoman last week from a thrift shop. It is like new. I need to decide which one to keep in the room.
Decisions, decisions!
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Wow, what a transformation!
Love the light and shabby bricks, they look stunning !
That tan chair looks interesting ? Is that vintage 1960’s modern ? It is kinda hiding behind things..
Hi Karen, it actually is the most comfy chair by Ikea. It swivels and my kids love it. We got it a few years ago. It blends into the room and with an ottoman is a great reading chair. It does have that 60’s mod thing going on! I would love the swivel chairs from Crate and Barrel but this works 🙂
Love the blue coffee table and the window in front of the fireplace. I need a couple of ottomans too, I need to get out and start looking at estate and thrift spots.
First time here (via It’s Overflowing linky)! You have a beautiful home — I love the window in front of the fireplace especially!
My favorite are the Blue Farmhouse Endtables! They would look awesome in my living room too!
I would love to see your Spring Living Room linked up at my party Show-Licious Craft & Recipe Party!
Your mantel is to die for! Just gorgeous! I love the added touch of the spring wreath. Thank you so much for sharing! I look forward to reading more of your posts! 🙂 Dawn @ http://www.730moments.com
So cute! Found you on 3 Little Greenwoods party. Following on pinterest….
What a lovely and cozy space you have created! It looks very inviting.